When it comes to installing security cameras in your home or place of business, there are two main types of technology you’ll want to consider: internet protocol (IP) cameras or closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. Let’s look at the difference between IP and CCTV cameras.
For decades, analogue CCTV cameras have dominated the market, but with the emergence of IP cameras in the mid-90s (and the subsequent advances made in the technology), the latter are now becoming more and more popular. This article outlines the differences between the two and the advantages of each.
What separates IP and CCTV cameras?
Without getting bogged down too much in technical jargon or explanations, the difference between analogue CCTV and IP cameras can be explained as follows:
- CCTV cameras transfer video in analogue form along coaxial or unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables to a digital video recorder (DVR), where the footage recorded by each individual camera is separately relayed and collectively stored.
- IP cameras translate the video into IP packages and transmit them to a network video recorded (NVR) via the data network (LAN) in question. This means that the NVR can be placed anywhere on the network and all signals are relayed together.
Why choose an IP security camera?
IP security cameras are the emerging technology which is getting better all the time, and as such they represent the camera of the future. Any home or business owner looking to future-proof their security system would be well-advised to choose IP cameras, for the following reasons:
- Image resolution. Even as recently as a few years ago, IP cameras suffered from poor image quality – but that is no longer the case. In fact, IP cameras of today boast mega-pixel resolution which far surpasses any analogue camera, meaning users can zoom in on footage even after it has been recorded without losing definition.
- Simplicity of LAN cabling. Since IP cameras utilise the LAN network to transfer their signals, there is rarely the need for major re-cabling to take place, as they can simply piggyback on the existing data network setup.
- Power cables. Analogue cameras require a separate power source for each unit, in addition to the coaxial or UTP cable. Contrastingly, IP cameras can be powered via the same cable using power over ethernet (POE) technology, eliminating the need for a second cable.
- Remote management. Whereas analogue cameras must be physically supervised to make sure they are connected properly, users can see at a glance whether or not an IP camera is connected to the ethernet from a remote location.
- Additional features. As an evolving technology of the future, IP cameras are constantly being updated with additional features and benefits, such as internal NVR recording, web interfacing and video enhancement capabilities. Analogue cameras have come pretty much as far as they can go.
Why choose a CCTV security camera?
In the vast majority of scenarios, an IP camera network is the logical solution, since it is likely to last longer and perform better than an analogue CCTV alternative. However, there are still a few uncommon situations where traditional CCTV may make sense. These include:
- A one-off installation where no LAN network is in place. If a site doesn’t have internet and is not likely to get it any time soon, but still requires video surveillance, installing a network of CCTV cameras might be more cost- and time-effective.
- Areas of poor internet quality. Since IP relies on a LAN network to transfer its signals, any downtime of that network may result in failure of the cameras’ ability to transmit data. If constant surveillance is required, a traditional CCTV system could be a viable solution.
- Limited size systems. Cameras which are required to monitor a single room or small number of rooms using a simple system may benefit from CCTV over IP due to the cheaper cost of setting up. However, the total area should be localised and even so, this type of solution is only really feasible for the next couple of years.
Secure your property today
Whichever type of security system you decide to install, Assured Security Solutions are here to help. We have a wide selection of both IP and CCTV cameras to suit all purposes and our friendly, professional team are on hand to answer any questions you may have. Don’t put it off until it’s too late – secure your home or workplace with a surveillance security system today.